Políticas

Latinas have been entering elected and appointed office in the United States since the late 1950s, and in that time they have reshaped public life in cities, counties, states and at the federal level. They bring different viewpoints, ways of leading and policy priorities to government. By 2004, Latinas held 27.4 percent of the more than 6,000 local, state and national posts filled by Hispanic officeholders. Texas has more of them than any other state, with nearly six hundred women serving in roles that range from city hall and school boards to the state legislature.

Five Latina political scientists wrote this book to trace the women who were the first Latinas to hold major elected and appointed positions in Texas government. Drawing on interviews with each woman or people close to her, the authors examine how these officeholders came to politics, what led them to run and which barriers they overcame, how they led, and how they represent and advocate for their communities. The profiles open with Irma Rangel, the first Latina in the Texas House, and with Judith Zaffirini and Leticia Van de Putte, the only two Latinas to serve in the Texas Senate. Other subjects include Lena Guerrero, the first and only Latina to hold a statewide office; several judges; mayors of Brownsville, Laredo and Crystal City; and city councilwomen from San Antonio, El Paso, Dallas, Houston and Laredo.